If you’re facing criminal charges in Bradenton, Florida, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face them without help. At The Law Office of Colleen Glenn, P.A., we’ve helped hundreds of people navigate the Florida criminal justice system. Our team brings skill, compassion, and strong legal strategy to every case we try.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a first-time offense or are dealing with more serious consequences, understanding the most common charges, their penalties, and how we fight them can give you a clearer path forward.

Some criminal charges are more common than others. Here are five charges we see frequently while defending clients in Bradenton, Florida.

1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

DUI charges are among the most common in Bradenton and throughout Florida. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher, you can be charged with a DUI. If law enforcement believes your ability to drive is impaired due to alcohol or drugs, you can be charged even without taking a test.

Our defense strategy: We may investigate the traffic stop to ensure your rights weren’t violated, consider the accuracy of the field sobriety and breathalyzer tests, and review whether proper legal procedures were followed. It’s our goal to make sure our clients are treated fairly in the eyes of the law. 

2. Drug Possession

Possession of illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription is a prevalent criminal charge in Manatee County. Even small amounts can lead to fines, probation, or jail time.

Our defense strategy: It’s important to examine whether the search and seizure were legal and whether the evidence was properly handled. If your rights were violated, we may work to bring that information to light. We may also advocate for diversion programs when available, especially for first-time offenders. Drug charges are taken seriously in the state of Florida, and we help our clients navigate tough legal situations. 

3. Driving With a Suspended License

Many people don’t realize that driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida—not just a traffic ticket. If you’re caught, you could face misdemeanor or even felony charges depending on your history.

Our defense strategy: When we dig into the reason for your license suspension, we hope to find information that explains why your license was suspended and whether you were aware it had been. We also help clients resolve the underlying issues (such as unpaid fines or failure to appear in court) to restore driving privileges whenever possible.

4. Theft and Shoplifting

Petty theft and retail theft (shoplifting) are commonly charged crimes, especially at large stores and malls in Bradenton. Depending on the value of the property taken, theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Our defense strategy: We look for gaps in the prosecution’s evidence, such as unclear video footage or unreliable witness statements. We bring all the facts to light, like whether you were misidentified or acted without intent. For eligible clients, we may also pursue legal options that minimize the impact of one event on your permanent record.

5. Probation Violations

If you’re on probation, even a small mistake—like missing an appointment or failing a drug test—can lead to serious consequences, including jail time. Many criminal charges in Bradenton stem from technical or misunderstood probation violations.

Our defense strategy: We work quickly to show the court that the violation was unintentional or due to circumstances outside your control. Our goal is to help you avoid revocation of probation and keep you out of custody.

You Deserve a Strong Defense Against Criminal Charges

Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At The Law Office of Colleen Glenn, P.A., we treat every client with respect and every case with the focused attention it deserves. Our local experience and commitment to protecting your rights can make all the difference in your outcome.

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Bradenton, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s talk about your options and start building your defense.

Call Now or Fill Out Our Online Form to Get Started. Your future is worth fighting for.